8 Myths About Braces Many myths exist around braces, and surely you’ve heard a few. Whether you currently have braces, you’re done with treatment and wearing your retainer, or you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’ve probably heard some myths: lightning can strike your braces, braces can pick up a radio signal, and braces won’t make it through airport security. We’re here…

Tooth extraction or not tooth extraction, that is the question! Even in 2017, the question of whether or not to extract teeth for orthodontic purposes is widely debatable in our professional community. There are factions within orthodontics that are dogmatic about never extracting teeth, and there are some that always extract teeth. We believe that the truth lies somewhere in between. The need for extractions in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is a very individualized decision.

This decision should be made by a qualified orthodontic professional. Only after a thorough clinical examination and carefully analyzing a full set of diagnostic orthodontic records can this decision be made. In summary, extractions are absolutely the correct course of treatment for some people. But in other cases, they should be avoided at all costs. That’s where the orthodontist comes into play. It is our job to correctly make that decision based on individual treatment needs. Given that information, let’s examine which cases demand tooth extraction.

Do you remember a time when lasers were something you only saw in science fiction movies? That day (decade, really) has long since passed. Today, laser technology is playing an increasingly important real-life role in all areas of medical and dental practices, including orthodontics. Recent advances in orthodontics include incorporating laser technology to accomplish a diverse set of important goals, from improving overall oral hygiene to reducing orthodontic treatment time. In this article, we share our top insights into why laser technology is important to the future of orthodontics.

You want straight teeth and wished you could close the gap in your teeth yesterday. A strong desire for that perfect smile with perfect teeth. You are ready for a change for the better. With the help of an orthodontist, you will be on the road to having your perfect smile. You have some options to achieve your goal.

Oral hygiene during braces is so important to the health of your teeth. If you fail to practice good oral hygiene, you will find that you begin having issues like cavities, gingivitis, and even gum disease. When wearing braces, it is still absolutely essential that you practice good hygiene. Both the orthodontic appliances and your teeth need to be kept clean. Because traditional metal braces can be difficult to clean, it’s important to take your time when cleaning your teeth. You must pay special attention to the brackets and wires so that you remove all plaque and food debris.

Maybe you have a child that’s having trouble chewing their food or playing an instrument due to an over or underbite. Maybe you have a cavity that needs to be checked out. Or you might need something more than just a regular visit to the dentist. Who do you go to? It may get a little confusing at times to know whether you need to see a dentist, endodontist, or orthodontist, but keep reading. Here you’ll learn the difference so you can decide who you need to see.

Maintaining good oral health and dental care is vital for our mouths. However, there are many who fail to understand that our oral health can be affected by how we take care of ourselves holistically. This is because a number of chronic health conditions and conditions have been linked to poor oral health, so much so that the two are not mutually exclusive.

Clear Aligners, like braces industry leader Invisalign, have become very popular in the dental world. Their accessibility is so widespread that you no longer have to go to your local orthodontist to get them. Unfortunately, there is great public debate on whether or not Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) aligner trays are a safe way to have this treatment done.

Yes, it is a good idea to drink water with fluoride and to use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoridation in the water supply varies from community to community, and extra fluoride provides more protection for your son or daughter’s teeth. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities, a form of tooth damage. In this article, we will discuss the importance of fluoride, and when your child may need braces.

Having a bad dental experience is horrible. It can be uncomfortable, frustrating and sometimes even painful. Dental fears lead to people avoiding dental visits. This leads to dental problems, causing patients to feel embarrassed in public due to ugly teeth. But dental visits don’t need to be scary, especially not orthodontic visits. Orthodontists are dentists who have 2-3 years of extra specialty training to learn how to align teeth and fix bites. They use dental devices like braces and clear aligners (Invisalign). They correct gaps, underbites, overbites, and other dental issues that are associated with the jaw, facial muscles, and teeth.